In a show of solidarity and resistance, pro-Palestinian protesters have maintained their occupation of Dunn Meadow at Indiana University (IU) for the sixth consecutive day. The protesters, advocating for justice in Gaza, have received support from religious leaders and organizations in Bloomington.

On April 29, a crowd of protesters was seen chanting at Dunn Meadow, where they have established their encampment for five days now. In response to the ongoing demonstration, IU sent an email to graduating seniors and their families, informing them of a designated protest area at the upcoming 2024 Commencement ceremony on May 3. The university emphasized its commitment to upholding the right to peaceful protest under the First Amendment.

The designated protest area will be located outside the Commencement venue, with venue staff inside to ensure that protesters remain within the designated area. Guests attending the event will be required to pass through a metal detector, and only clear bags of limited size will be allowed inside.

The protest continued as protesters from the Dunn Meadow encampment marched to Sample Gates, where they placed flyers denouncing IU violence and expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause on various buildings and signs. Although some seniors were taking photos in front of Sample Gates, many chose to clear out shortly after the arrival of the protesters, expressing their desire to proceed with their activities undisturbed.

One of the protest leaders explained the motive behind the action, stating that they wanted to ensure that people could not avoid their message. They expressed frustration that despite previous protests and messages written in chalk, some individuals seemed unaffected, remaining absorbed in their phones.

Later in the afternoon, around 3:15 p.m., a group of protesters returned to Sample Gates, this time chanting slogans and writing messages such as "Divest Now" and "Free Palestine" on the pavement along Indiana Avenue. One protester, serving as a medic, highlighted their role in ensuring the safety of the participants during the demonstrations.

Meanwhile, within the encampment, IU student Azzam Atif recited the Adhan, a Muslim call to prayer, and engaged in the Dhuhr prayer along with six others. Atif expressed his gratitude for the religious diversity within the encampment, noting that everyone has been highly respectful of his traditions and religion. However, outside the encampment, he shared instances of religious intolerance and derogatory remarks directed at him and other protesters.

The protesters received support from Bloomington's religious communities, as leaders from various religious organizations attended an interfaith rally at Dunn Meadow. Representatives from the Disciples of Christ, the Islamic Center of Bloomington, Jewish Voices for Peace, the Unitarian Universalist Church, and other groups expressed their solidarity with the protesters and voiced concern for the plight of Palestinians in Gaza.

Bill Breeden, a retired minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, addressed the crowd during the gathering. Drawing upon his own experiences of protesting during the first Gulf War, he emphasized the need to reject military responses and pursue peaceful solutions. Breeden shared his willingness to stand in solidarity with the protesters and face potential arrest if necessary.

Following the arrests and bans of faculty and students at the encampment, the Folklore and Ethnomusicology Student Association expressed their condemnation of the actions taken by the Indiana State Police. In an email to the department and IU administration, they demanded an end to excessive police presence, withdrawal of legal action against protesters, and full amnesty for those who have been arrested.

The Association also called for the removal of ISP officers from IU property and the resignation of IU President Pamela Whitten, Provost Rahul Shrivastav, and Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs Carrie Docherty. Additionally, they urged the administration to disclose IU's investment portfolio, end partnerships with Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, and adhere to Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions guidelines, which advocate for divestment from Israel.

As the protest carries on, most protesters are sleeping in the 15 tents set up on Dunn Meadow, ensuring a presence throughout the night. The occupation continues to attract attention and support from various groups and individuals, amplifying the conversation around Palestinian rights and the need for peaceful resolution.

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